Fine Gael has had the enormous benefits of office to cushion the compromises required, although the forced resignation of Frances Fitzgerald, Varadkar’s first tánaiste, was a price many in the party found difficult to stomach. The change of leadership in Fine Gael in May of last year certainly changed the dynamic of the relationship between the two parties. The accession of Varadkar to the Fine Gael leadership has altered the political landscape and Fine Gael has moved into a consistent opinion poll lead over its main rival since the change of leader. Varadkar is essentially putting it up to Fianna Fáil to either agree to a two-year extension of the current arrangement or accept the consequences of political instability. Varadkar may lead Fine Gael to a better result in the next election but there is no guarantee he will be able to form a government, while Martin knows he has just one more shot at becoming Taoiseach.

Source: The Irish Times September 04, 2018 23:03 UTC